Last night, Malta's Government and Opposition reached an agreement (for once!), declaring a climate change emergency on the Maltese Islands, also calling for action.
The consensus was reached on an amended text minutes before a vote was to be cast on rival texts. The original motion, issued by MP Jason Azzopardi, moved for the creation of a Superintendent for Climate Change and a climate emergency committee.
The measures Malta's Government is taking
In a counter-motion, Government underlined the previous enactments done in 2015, implementing the Climate Change Action Act and the appointment of a Climate Change Action Board, as well as an Ambassador for Climate Action.
The counter-motion shed light on Government’s actions in recent years, including using gas at the power station as well as plans to eventually phase out fossil-fuel cars. In fact, this year’s Budget also promotes the use of electric cars, increasing charging points around the islands and installations in residential houses.
The National Youth Council met with Environment Minister Jose Herrera yesterday afternoon after a total of 32 youth organisations backed the call for a declaration of climate emergency, convincing him to change Government’s own counter-motion. #PowerToThePeople
What’s on the horizon?
MPs voted to call on Government to introduce new measures to combat climate change and to also maintain current initiatives, apart from unanimously declaring the climate emergency. It was also reported that by mid-2020, Government will declare a date to ban internal combustion engine vehicles.
A programme will also be drawn up come mid next year that will indicate more measures to do with climate action on our islands. The current Environment and Development Planning Committee will also be renamed and revamped to the Environment, Climate Change and Development Planning Committee.
The Prime Minister pointed out earlier on Tuesday that Malta is a signatory to the Paris Agreement and is committed to keep worldwide temperature increase of 1.5°C at the very max. He also stated that Government will spend millions on shore-to-ship links that will require ships to switch off engines while in harbours.
Do your part!
You can do your part too, by doing these simple things on a daily basis:
1. Walk to your destination if possible.
2. Use electric cars, bikes and scooters to get around.
3. If you really need to use your car, try carpooling with friends.
4. Reduce waste as much as possible by reusing what you can.
5. Participate in a clean-up!
What do you think of the climate emergency?